Newcastle Falcons have officially concluded their summer transfer business, director of rugby Dean Richards confirming there will be no more additions.

Former Saracens and England lock Mouritz Botha became the club’s 10th and final signing when he returned to the Aviva Premiership from South African Super 15 side, the Sharks.

Asked if he was now finished with his recruitment for the coming campaign, Richards said: “Yes, very much so.

“I have got no plans to look outside of the current squad, barring a major injury or anything like that.”

Botha’s timely arrival into the Falcons’ second-row stocks coincides with the news Will Witty will miss the start of the new season, the England Under-20s forward having broken his foot in training.

Kiwi fly-half Mike Delany finally arrives on Tyneside this weekend after a protracted wait for a UK visa while Tonga captain Nili Latu, Italy wing Giovanbattista Venditti and Scotland prop Jon Welsh will not arrive until after the Rugby World Cup.